How to Replace the Brake Rotors in My Truck
Replacing the rotor on a truck is a complex job. You have to perform a front-end job to pull off the rotor. Since you have the rotor off, you might as well replace the wheel bearings. If you choose to keep the wheel bearings, you still need to make sure they are lubricated properly before putting the rotor back on the wheel spindle. The rotor itself is usually able to last a long time on a vehicle unless you are driving with worn brake shoes for an extended time. Replacing the rotors will ensure your braking is smoother and quieter.
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Things You'll Need
- Tire tool
- Jack
- Socket wrench
- Socket set
- Star bit (t45)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Tub of white lithium grease
- New bearings (inner, outer with races included)
- Wheel seal
- New rotor
- Chock
Instructions
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Removing the Rotor
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1
Loosen the driver side lug nuts with the tire tool. Ensure the lugs are loose, but do not remove them from the studs.
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2
Raise the vehicle with a jack until the driver's side wheel is off the ground. Take the wheel off by unscrewing the lug nuts from the stud.
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3
Unbolt the caliper by unscrewing the two bolts in the back. One bolt will be toward the top and one will be on the bottom. Use your socket wrench to remove them. Most brake calipers will require a hex socket to fit the head of the bolt.
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4
Lift the caliper up and away from the rotor. Place it on the axle shaft or support it on a stool. You do not want the caliper to hang freely, as this will tear the brake line.
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5
Pry the dust cover off the spindle. This will require a flat-head screwdriver to get into the groove to free the cover.
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6
Pull the cotter pin out with a pair of pliers. You may need to straighten the end so it will come out smoothly.
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7
Loosen and remove the nut through which the cotter pin was sticking. Use the pliers to turn the nut counterclockwise. Remove it from the spindle.
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8
Pull out the outer bearing with your fingers. You may need to shake the rotor with your hands to work the bearing loose.
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9
Take the rotor off the spindle. The rotor is ready to be replaced.
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10
Remove the inner bearing, as it needs to be greased before being placed back on the spindle. The bearing can be pulled off with your fingers. If the bearing is a little tight, you can tap it with a hammer to work it loose.
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11
Place the bearings in a tub of white lithium grease before installing. The bearings are required to be packed in grease.
Installing the Rotor
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12
Slide the new inner wheel bearing on the spindle. Ensure the race is covering the bearing with the slope end facing away from the vehicle.
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13
Tap the wheel seal in the outer end of the rotor. The wheel seal will be labeled to show which end goes in and which goes out. Tap in the seal very carefully, as you do not want to break it. Ensure it is flush around the edges.
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14
Slide the rotor on the spindle. Push it all the way to the back until it covers the wheel bearings.
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15
Push the inner bearing onto the spindle. Ensure the race is installed as well. Cover the bearing with the race.
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16
Cover the inside of the rotor assembly with grease.
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17
Tighten the spindle nut back on to the spindle. Use your pliers to tighten the nut as tight as you can get it. Back the nut off one half of a turn. Turn the rotor to ensure it moves freely.
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18
Push the cotter pin into the slot in the nut. Separate the ends of the cotter pin to ensure it does not slip out.
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19
Tap the dust cover back on to the spindle. Ensure it is flush and sitting flat along the edges.
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20
Place the caliper over the rotor. Install both bolts but do not tighten them until they are started. Tighten both bolts as soon as they are started.
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21
Place the wheel back on the studs. Start the lug nuts and tighten them as much as possible.
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22
Lower the truck to the ground and remove the jack. Tighten the lug nuts even more to ensure they are snug on the wheel.
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23
Repeat these steps on the passenger side of the truck. Your brake performance will be much smoother once this process is complete.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Once you pull the rotors off the truck, take them to your parts store and determine if you can have the rotors turned as opposed to buying new ones. Turning the rotor will take out any grooves and save you money in the process.
Use extreme caution when working under a raised vehicle. Ensure the parking brake is set and the back wheel is chocked. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle falling off the jack.
